Narrowboat Tacet

Silent Movement - Our gap year travelling the inland waterways

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Huddersfield Narrow - Journey Complete

For such a short canal, just under 20 miles, there is certainly a lot to it. - The longest, deepest and highest tunnel on the canal network with 42 locks on the eastern side and 32 on the western.Many people avoid it, put off by tales of water shortages, difficult locks, scratched paint in the tunnel etc,etc. We loved it last year, and so came back again, this time to travel East - West.Yes, some of the locks were difficult, some paddles broken, some pounds very short of water, and the tunnel was cold and wet. But we loved it all, it added to the challenge and sense of achievement to have made the journey safely and the bonus is that all the while you are looking out over the wonderful views of the hills, moors, rivers and stone settlements along the way.It is even more remarkable when you consider that 40 years ago, much of the canal was filled in, built over or just left derelict. Well done to Huddersfield Canal Society and all the restoration workers who brought it back to life, for us to enjoy today.So, with mixed feelings, yesterday we arrived in Ashton-under Lyne, the western end of the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.

looking back at those hills

another mill and chimney

Stalybridge

chimney at Ashton

We do hope it's not the last time we get to cross the Pennines like this.

About Us

We have taken a break out of our busy lives to fulfil our dream of living aboard a narrow boat, travelling round the inland waterways of Britain. We are Ian and Karen with our slightly mad dog Jumble. Our two children are both away at University so it seemed a good opportunity to have our 'gap year' now. Think we might stretch it to 2 years to make sure we cover all the waterways on the map!